Remanufactured yoke for a fuel pump

Abstract

A remanufactured yoke (400) for a fuel pump (200) includes a body (404) having a base (406) and sidewalls (408) extending orthogonally from the base (406). The base (406) and sidewalls (408) together define a receiving space (410). The sidewalls (408) define an inner surface (424) facing the receiving space (410) and an outer surface (426) opposite to the inner surface (424). The remanufactured yoke (400) also includes a wear plate (436) removably disposed within the receiving space (410) defined by the base (406) and sidewalls (408). The wear plate (436) contacts the base (406) of the body (404). The remanufactured yoke (400) also includes a connecting member (414) that is connected to the body (404) and the wear plate (436) to prevent the wear plate (436) from rotating relative to the body (404).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a fuel pump, a remanufactured yoke for the fuel pump, and a method for remanufacturing the yoke for the fuel pump. Background Technology

[0002] The internal combustion engine is equipped with a hydraulically actuated fuel injection system (HEUI fuel system), which employs a fuel pump to provide actuating fluid to the engine's injectors under high pressure. The fuel pump includes multiple pistons, a housing, and a yoke. The pistons and yoke are housed within the housing. The yoke is pivotally mounted within the housing and movable through a range of angular positions to control the piston stroke length, thereby controlling the fluid output of the fuel pump.

[0003] The yoke may undergo wear and damage during fuel pump operation. Due to premature wear and damage caused by operation, the yoke has a limited lifespan. The yoke includes a nitride layer, which, if penetrated, renders the yoke unusable. Because the yoke can be relatively expensive, replacing the entire yoke can significantly increase engine maintenance and replacement costs, which may be undesirable.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 5,704,272 describes an improved axial piston energy conversion device provided by utilizing a thin ceramic wear-resistant plate insert (typically only about 0.005 to 0.040 inches thick) as a cam surface fixed by atmospheric pressure to the underlying support surface of a steel cam plate support structure. The wear-resistant plate is attached to the cam plate support surface by polishing both the support surface of the cam plate and the mating surface of the wear-resistant plate to a very smooth surface finish, and by wiping a thin film of a fluid such as oil onto one of the polished surfaces before placing the wear-resistant plate onto the support surface. The highly polished surfaces, together with the oil film, result in a substantially airtight joint. The atmospheric pressure acting on the cam surface of the wear-resistant plate is used to hold the wear-resistant plate firmly in place on the support surface in the same manner as a pair of Johnson gauge blocks would remain together if their highly polished surfaces mated. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of this disclosure, a remanufactured yoke for a fuel pump is provided. The remanufactured yoke includes a body having a base and sidewalls extending orthogonally from the base. The base and the sidewalls together define a receiving space. The sidewalls define an inner surface facing the receiving space and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The remanufactured yoke also includes a wear plate removably disposed within the receiving space defined by the base and the sidewalls. The wear plate contacts the base of the body. The remanufactured yoke further includes a connecting member connected to the body and the wear plate to prevent rotational movement of the wear plate relative to the body.

[0006] In another aspect of this disclosure, a fuel pump is provided. The fuel pump includes a pump housing. The fuel pump also includes a remanufactured yoke removably coupled to the pump housing and pivotable about a yoke axis. The remanufactured yoke includes a body having a base and sidewalls extending orthogonally from the base. The base and the sidewalls together define a receiving space. The sidewalls define an inner surface facing the receiving space and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The remanufactured yoke also includes a wear plate removably disposed within the receiving space defined by the base and the sidewalls. The wear plate contacts the base of the body. The remanufactured yoke also includes a connecting member coupled to the body and the wear plate to prevent rotational movement of the wear plate relative to the body.

[0007] In another aspect of this disclosure, a method for remanufacturing a yoke for a fuel pump is provided. The method includes providing the yoke comprising a body. The body has a base and sidewalls extending orthogonally from the base. The base and the sidewalls together define a receiving space. The method further includes removing a predetermined layer of material from the base of the body. The method further includes providing a wear-resistant plate having a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the predetermined material layer removed from the base. The method includes disposing the wear-resistant plate within the receiving space defined by the base and the sidewalls such that the wear-resistant plate contacts the base of the body. The method further includes receiving a connecting member within the wear-resistant plate and the base. The method further includes preventing rotational movement of the wear-resistant plate relative to the body based on the receiving of the connecting member within the wear-resistant plate and the base.

[0008] Other features and aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary engine system;

[0010] Figure 2 This is an example based on the present disclosure and has a remanufactured yoke. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary fuel pump associated with an engine system;

[0011] Figure 3 Is with Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an exemplary body of a fuel pump-associated base yoke (before remanufacturing), wherein the base yoke includes a damaged portion;

[0012] Figure 4 yes Figure 2A schematic perspective view of the main body of the remanufactured yoke;

[0013] Figure 5 Examples of this disclosure are for use Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the wear-resistant plate of the remanufactured yoke;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Exploded view of the remanufactured yoke;

[0015] Figure 7 yes Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the remanufactured yoke; and

[0016] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for remanufacturing a yoke for a fuel pump, according to an example of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0017] In all the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used as much as possible to denote the same or similar parts.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary engine system 100. The engine system 100 can be associated with various types of machinery. The machinery can be stationary or mobile. The machinery can be excavators, trucks, bulldozers, wheel loaders, tracked tractors, automatic graders, etc., and can be used for various purposes in various industries, such as excavation, construction, landscaping, etc. It should be noted that this disclosure is equally applicable to any type of internal combustion engine, such as V-type engines, inline cylinder engines, and rotary engines.

[0019] Engine system 100 includes one or more engine cylinders 102. Each engine cylinder 102 defines a cylinder bore 104 passing through it, a piston 106 slidably disposed within the cylinder bore 104, and a cylinder head 108 disposed on top of the engine cylinder 102. The piston 106 is operatively coupled to a crankshaft 110 (partially shown) via a connecting rod 112. Although Figure 1 Only one engine cylinder 102 is shown, but as those skilled in the art will understand, the engine system 100 may include multiple engine cylinders 102. The cylinder head 108 includes at least one exhaust valve 114 actuated by a cam (not shown), a hydraulic device (not shown), or other means. When at least one exhaust valve 114 is in the open position, the cylinder bore 104 is in fluid communication with an exhaust manifold (not shown) through the cylinder head 108.

[0020] Engine system 100 includes a fuel injector 116 in fluid communication with a cylinder bore 104. The fuel injector 116 is supplied with fuel that is readily ignited at the pressure and temperature reached near the top of the compression stroke of the piston 106 within the cylinder bore 104. Fuel may include, for example, diesel oil, biodiesel, dimethyl ether (DME), kerosene, seed oil, and other fuels with a similarly high cetane index known to those skilled in the art. The fuel injector 116 is connected via a fuel pump 200 (e.g., fuel pump 200). Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) receives fuel. Fuel pump 200 includes a hydraulically actuated electronically controlled (HEUI) fuel pump as described herein.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a fuel pump 200 is shown. The fuel pump 200 includes a pump housing 202 having a pump shaft 204 rotatably disposed therein for rotation about a pump axis 206. A block 208 engages with the pump shaft 204 to rotate with it via an axial spline (not shown). The block 208 has one or more (e.g., nine) pistons 210 disposed therein for axial movement parallel to the pump axis 206. One end 212 of each piston 210 is spherical and disposed in a ball socket 214 of a shoe block 216.

[0022] The fuel pump 200 also includes a remanufactured yoke 400, which is removably connected to the pump housing 202 and pivotable about the yoke axis 402. Specifically, the base yoke 300 of the fuel pump 200 (e.g. Figure 3 (As shown) is remanufactured to form a structure set in Figure 2 The remanufactured yoke 400 is located in the fuel pump 200. The remanufactured yoke 400 may be interchangeably referred to as "yoke 400" below. The side of the shoe block 216 opposite the ball socket 214 is slidably disposed against the raceway surface of the remanufactured yoke 400. The remanufactured yoke 400 is pivotally disposed within the pump housing 202 and is movable in a known manner through a range of angular positions for controlling the stroke length of the piston 210, thereby controlling the fluid output of the fuel pump 200.

[0023] The remanufactured yoke 400 pivots about yoke axis 402 but does not rotate about pump axis 206. The position of the remanufactured yoke 400 can be selectively adjusted to an angular position range between (and including) the minimum and maximum pump displacement, depending on application requirements. The end cap portion 220 of the pump housing 202 has an inlet port (not shown) and an outlet port 224 through which actuating fluid enters the piston chamber 222 and exits the piston chamber 222 through the outlet port.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 3The matrix yoke 300 includes a body 404. The body 404 has a base 406. The base 406 includes one or more damaged portions 302 thereon. A predetermined material layer L1 having a thickness T1 is removed from the base 406. It should be noted that the removed predetermined material layer L1 includes the damaged portions 302. In some instances, the matrix yoke 300 may undergo a material removal process (such as machining, milling, or laser processing) to remove the predetermined material layer L1 thereon. In some cases, the predetermined material layer L1 may at least partially comprise a layer made of nitride.

[0025] Now for reference Figure 4 The remanufactured yoke 400 includes a body 404 having a base 406 and sidewalls 408 extending orthogonally from the base 406. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The body 404 shown is similar to Figure 3 The body, but body 404 is formed by removing a predetermined material layer L1 of thickness T1 from base 406 (see [reference]). Figure 3 It is formed by ).

[0026] The base 406 and sidewall 408 together define a receiving space 410. The opening 412 can be formed by any material removal process (e.g., drilling, milling, or laser machining). Furthermore, the base 406 defines the opening 412 to accommodate the connecting member 414 ( Figure 6 and Figure 7 (as shown in the diagram) is at least partially received therein. The opening 412 is embodied herein as a threaded hole. The base 406 also defines an upper surface 416, a lower surface 418, and a first central opening 420 extending from the upper surface 416 to the lower surface 418.

[0027] Sidewall 408 defines a pair of protrusions 422. Furthermore, sidewall 408 defines an inner surface 424 facing the receiving space 410 and an outer surface 426 opposite to the inner surface 424. Additionally, the inner surface 424 of sidewall 408 defines a recess 428 near the opening 412 in the base 406. Specifically, the recess 428 is defined on the inner surface 424 of one of the protrusions 422 of sidewall 408. The recess 428 communicates with the receiving space 410 and surrounds the opening 412. The recess 428 can be formed by any material removal process, such as drilling, milling, or laser machining.

[0028] In addition, the remanufactured yoke 400 has a pair of posts 430 for allowing movement around the yoke axis 402 within the pump housing 202 (see...). Figure 2The remanufactured yoke 400 is pivotally supported. The posts 430 are cylindrical in shape. The remanufactured yoke 400 includes two posts 430 extending from the outer surface 426 of the sidewall 408. Each post 430 is coupled to a corresponding protrusion 422 of the sidewall 408 of the body 404. The remanufactured yoke 400 also includes a protrusion 432 extending from the outer surface 426 of the sidewall 408. The protrusion 432 defines an engagement surface 434. The engagement surface 434 of the yoke 400 is disposed between a yoke return spring (not shown) and a control or application piston (not shown), the yoke return spring cooperating with the control or application piston to pivotally position the yoke 400 to control pump displacement. The engagement surface 434 is relatively flat.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 5 and Figure 6 The remanufactured yoke 400 also includes a wear-resistant plate 436 removably disposed within a receiving space 410 defined by a base 406 and a sidewall 408. The wear-resistant plate 436 has a thickness T2 substantially equal to the thickness of the base yoke 300 (see [reference]) used to form the body 404 of the remanufactured yoke 400. Figure 3 The predetermined material layer L1 to be removed (see) Figure 3 The thickness T1 of ).

[0030] It should be noted that the wear plate 436 is made of a material similar in material properties (such as hardness, surface cleanliness, and surface texture) to the predetermined material layer L1 removed from the base yoke 300. The wear plate 436 is made of a metallic material with a Rockwell hardness value of at least 45, but is not limited to this. In some instances, the wear plate 436 may have a Rockwell hardness value of 48 or 54, but is not limited to this. It should be noted that the hardness and material of the wear plate 436 may vary based on application requirements. Furthermore, the Rockwell hardness value of the wear plate 436 may be at least equal to or greater than the Rockwell hardness value of the body 404. In some instances, the Rockwell hardness value of the wear plate 436 may be at least equal to or greater than the Rockwell hardness value of the predetermined material layer L1. In some instances, the wear plate 436 may be made of cast iron.

[0031] Furthermore, the wear-resistant plate 436 defines a notch 438 to receive the connecting member 414 at least partially therein. The notch 438 has an arcuate shape herein. It should be noted that when the wear-resistant plate 436 is received within the body 404, the wear-resistant plate 436 relative to... Figure 5 The orientation shown has been rotated 180 degrees.

[0032] The wear-resistant plate 436 is annular in shape. Specifically, the wear-resistant plate 436 includes an annular body 440. The annular body 440 defines an inner plate surface 442 and an outer plate surface 444. A cutout 438 in the wear-resistant plate 436 is defined at the outer plate surface 444. The wear-resistant plate 436 also defines a second central opening 446. The second central opening 446 communicates with the inner plate surface 442.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 6 The remanufactured yoke 400 includes a connecting member 414. The connecting member 414 is connected to the body 404 and the wear plate 436 to prevent the wear plate 436 from being positioned relative to the body 404, such as around the pump axis 206 (see...). Figure 2 Rotational movement of ). For example Figure 6 As shown, the opening 412 in the base 406 is aligned with the cutout 438 in the wear-resistant plate 436 to receive the connecting member 414. Furthermore, the inner surface 424 of the sidewall 408 defines a recess 428 near the opening 412 in the base 406 to allow the connecting member 414 to be received within the cutout 438 in the wear-resistant plate 436 and the opening 412 in the base 406. Additionally, the first central opening 420 is aligned with the second central opening 446 to receive the wear-resistant plate 436 within the receiving space 410.

[0034] The connecting member 414 herein is a pin. Specifically, the connecting member 414 includes a metal pin. However, the connecting member 414 may include any other type of fastening member that connects the wear plate 436 to the body 404 to prevent any relative rotational movement therebetween. It should be noted that, depending on the application requirements, the wear plate 436 and the connecting member 414 may include designs different from those shown and illustrated in this disclosure. Furthermore, in addition to the components illustrated herein, the yoke 400 may also include additional components.

[0035] Now for reference Figure 7 When connected to the body 404, the wear-resistant plate 436 contacts the base 406 of the body 404. Specifically, when the wear-resistant plate 436 is received within the receiving space 410, the wear-resistant plate 436 is disposed on the base 406 and contacts the upper surface 416 of the base 406 (see [link]). Figure 6 When the wear-resistant plate 436 is connected to the body 404, the second center opening 446 is aligned with the first center opening 420 of the base 406.

[0036] Furthermore, when the connecting member 414 is connected to the body 404 and the wear plate 436, a portion of the connecting member 414 is received within and engages with a cutout 438 in the wear plate 436 to prevent rotation of the wear plate 436 relative to the body 404. Additionally, when the connecting member 414 is connected to the body 404 and the wear plate 436, a portion of the connecting member 414 is received within an opening 412 in the body 404. In some embodiments, the connecting member 414 may be connected to the base 406 of the body 404 by an interference fit. In other embodiments, the connecting member 414 may have external threads (not shown) and a groove (not shown) formed in its exposed end, the groove being sized to accommodate a screwdriver blade for rotating the connecting member, and the base 406 may have internal threads (not shown) to removably connect the connecting member 414 to the base 406.

[0037] It should be understood that a single feature shown or described for one embodiment may be combined with a single feature shown or described for another embodiment. The above embodiments do not limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Therefore, it should be understood that although some features are shown or described to illustrate the use of this disclosure in the context of the functional paragraphs, such features may be omitted from the scope of this disclosure without departing from the spirit of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims.

[0038] Industrial applicability

[0039] This disclosure relates to a remanufactured yoke 400. The remanufactured yoke 400 includes a wear plate 436, which can be installed after the damaged portion 302 has been removed from the initial / base yoke 300. For example, when the top surface of the base yoke 300 becomes worn or damaged, the wear plate 436 can be installed to allow the base yoke 300 to be reused as a remanufactured yoke 400. Specifically, the material layer L1 containing the damaged portion 302 can be removed from the base yoke 300 during initial recycling and repair, after which the wear plate 436 and connecting member 414 can be connected to the body 404.

[0040] Furthermore, the wear plate 436 and / or connecting member 414 are replaceable upon damage. Therefore, the wear plate 436 can be used as a sacrificial component that can be replaced in case of damage. This approach reduces repair and maintenance costs, as it may only require replacing the wear plate 436 instead of the entire yoke. The wear plate 436 has a simple design and is easy to assemble, which improves the maintainability and serviceability of the fuel pump 200. Additionally, the wear plate 436 includes a notch 438 that serves as an alignment feature for accurately positioning the wear plate 436 relative to the body 404, thereby eliminating the need for alignment features in the wear plate 436 or additional tools / techniques for alignment.

[0041] Figure 8This is a flowchart of a method 800 for remanufacturing the yoke 400 for fuel pump 200. (See reference) Figures 3 to 8 At step 802, a body 404 of the yoke 400 is provided. The body 404 has a base 406 and a sidewall 408 extending orthogonally from the base 406. The base 406 and the sidewall 408 together define a receiving space 410.

[0042] At step 804, a predetermined material layer L1 is removed from the base 406 of the body 404. At step 806, a connecting member 414 is received within the base 406. At step 808, a wear-resistant plate 436 is provided, the wear-resistant plate having a thickness T2 corresponding to the thickness T1 of the predetermined material layer L1 removed from the base 406.

[0043] At step 810, the wear-resistant plate 436 is disposed within the receiving space 410 defined by the base 406 and the sidewall 408, such that the wear-resistant plate 436 contacts the base 406 of the body 404 and the connecting member 414. At step 812, rotational movement of the wear-resistant plate 436 relative to the body 404 is prevented by the connecting member 414 being received within the wear-resistant plate 436 and the base 406.

[0044] Method 800 further includes the step of providing an opening 412 in the base 406 of the body 404 (not shown). Furthermore, the wear-resistant plate 436 defines a cut 438. Additionally, the step of placing the wear-resistant plate 436 within a receiving space 410 defined by the base 406 and the sidewall 408 further includes aligning the cut 438 in the wear-resistant plate 436 with the connecting member 414 (not shown). The wear-resistant plate 436 includes an annular body 440. The annular body 440 defines an inner plate surface 442 and an outer plate surface 444. The cut 438 in the wear-resistant plate 436 is defined at the outer plate surface 444. Furthermore, the wear-resistant plate 436 is made of a metallic material with a Rockwell hardness value of at least 45.

[0045] Furthermore, the sidewall 408 defines an inner surface 424 facing the receiving space 410 and an outer surface 426 opposite to the inner surface 424. Additionally, method 800 includes (not shown) the step of providing a notch 428 on the inner surface 424 of the sidewall 408 to allow the connecting member 414 to be received within an opening 412 in the base 406. The notch 428 is located adjacent to the opening 412 in the base 406.

[0046] The method 800 described herein can be a cost-effective, simple, and time-saving method for remanufacturing yokes 400 without requiring additional / complex setup.

[0047] It may be expected to be performed in a different order than depicted in the diagram. Figure 8 One or more steps are shown in the diagram. Furthermore, various steps can be performed together.

[0048] Unless explicitly excluded, the use of the singular to describe a component, structure, or operation does not preclude the use of a plurality of such components, structures, or operations or their equivalents. In the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the appended claims), the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and “at least one” or the terms “one or more” and similar references should be interpreted to encompass both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted by the context. The use of the term “at least one” followed by a list of one or more items (e.g., “at least one of A and B” or one or more of A and B) should be interpreted to mean one item selected from the listed items (A or B) or any combination of two or more of the listed items (A and B; A, A and B; A, B and B), unless otherwise stated herein or explicitly contradicted by the context. Similarly, as used herein, the word “or” refers to any possible permutation of a set of items. For example, the phrase “A, B or C” means at least one of A, B, C or any combination thereof, such as any of the following: A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; A, B and C; or multiple items such as A and A; B, B and C; A, A, B, C and C, etc.

[0049] Although various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived by modifying the disclosed machinery, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A remanufactured yoke (400) for a fuel pump (200), said remanufactured yoke (400) comprising: The body (404) has a base (406) and a sidewall (408) extending orthogonally from the base (406), the base (406) and the sidewall (408) together defining a receiving space (410), the sidewall (408) defining an inner surface (424) facing the receiving space (410) and an outer surface (426) opposite to the inner surface (424). A wear-resistant plate (436), said wear-resistant plate being removably disposed within the receiving space (410) defined by said base (406) and said sidewall (408), wherein said wear-resistant plate (436) contacts the base (406) of said body (404); and A connecting member (414) is connected to the body (404) and the wear plate (436) to prevent the wear plate (436) from rotating relative to the body (404).

2. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member (414) is a pin.

3. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 1, wherein the base (406) defines an opening (412) to receive the connecting member (414) at least partially therein.

4. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 3, wherein the wear plate (436) defines a cut (438) to receive the connecting member (414) at least partially therein, and wherein the opening (412) in the base (406) is aligned with the cut (438) in the wear plate (436) to receive the connecting member (414).

5. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 4, wherein the inner surface (424) of the sidewall (408) defines a notch (428) near the opening (412) in the base (406) to allow the connecting member (414) to be received within the cutout (438) in the wear plate (436) and the opening (412) in the base (406).

6. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 4, wherein the wear plate (436) includes an annular body (440) defining an inner plate surface (442) and an outer plate surface (444), and wherein the cut (438) in the wear plate (436) is defined at the outer plate surface (444).

7. The remanufactured yoke (400) according to claim 1, wherein the wear plate (436) is made of a metallic material with a Rockwell hardness of at least 45.

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